Athens, Georgia – Three suspected gang members have been charged with murder following a tragic drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a 3-year-old boy at the Hallmark Estates trailer park in east Athens.
Julian Cubillos, a 17-year-old from Lawrenceville, was arrested early Saturday with the help of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, according to Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Cubillos, along with Jayden Brown, 16, and Dakious Echols, 18, both of Athens, are facing charges of malice murder, criminal gang activity, and multiple counts of aggravated assault in connection to the death of Kyron Zarco.
The shooting took place around 5:30 p.m. on Friday while Kyron and his brother were watching TV on a couch. Tragically, the 3-year-old was killed by a hail of bullets, while his 9-year-old brother sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Police believe that the shooting was the result of a feud between the EBE street gang, to which the suspects belong, and the rival RTG gang. The intended target of the drive-by was reportedly a teenage RTG member who was in the home at the time of the shooting.
Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters expressed his disgust at the crime, stating, “I am sickened by this heinous crime, and my heart aches for the grieving family, friends and loved ones who are suffering such a tragic loss.” He assured the public that the department is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Paul Johnson is leading the ongoing investigation and seeking the public’s assistance. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information that leads to the arrests of Brown and Echols. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 706-705-4775.